Traffic Plans For Downtown Arena Events Unveiled

The Sacramento Police Department and Regional Transit have unveiled their traffic plan for events at the new downtown arena.

Deputy Police Chief Ken Bernard says the plan for events with more than 10,000 people attending includes entry and exit routes to the Golden 1 Center for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and people using light rail.

"You'll see a couple of streets around the arena blocked," says Bernard. "So, L and 5th will be shut to traffic and people will be detoured around. That'll be in place for one hours before the game."

Streets will also be blocked for as long as 45 minutes after events.

Sacramento Kings games will start 30 minutes later this year. The city hopes the 7:30 p.m. start time will ease traffic.

Regional Transit says taking light rail will likely be the easiest way to go to events. It will post supervisors at three downtown stations to help people.

A city traffic engineer will monitor traffic flows.

Downtown Partnership guides will help pedestrians find their way.

The city will conduct at least two simulations within the next two weeks.

Bob is the Sacramento Region Reporter. He has been at the forefront of the coverage of the Sacramento Kings' saga and the effort to build a new arena in Sacramento. He also covers education, business, environment, and sports stories. Read Full Bio